Two seasons in Chicago: winter and construction

As the heavy jackets, snow shovels, and boots slowly make their way back into the closet, it doesn’t mean spring is coming. Nope. As every Chicagoan knows, there are only two seasons in our region: winter and construction. And construction season is upon us once again.

Yesterday, my inbox and news alerts were flooded with articles warning commuters of the upcoming headache that will be caused by the upcoming construction season. With three major projects all in the same area – a 27-mile resurfacing project on the Eisenhower Expressway, Congress Parkway bridge work, and ramp reconstruction on Wacker Drive – drivers have been warned.

Article after article, interview after interview had commuters talking about taking the side streets or having to leave a little earlier when driving to work. It got me thinking, what if all these people took transit instead? The Blue Line goes right down the middle of the Eisenhower and yet not a single article suggested the Blue Line or other bus routes to help alleviate the bottlenecks being caused by construction season.

Here’s a word of advice, the Blue Line runs every 7-10 minutes. It costs a mere $2.25 to ride and you can happily (or sleepily) gaze at the parking lot that is the Eisenhower expressway, Congress Parkway, and Wacker Drive. Difficulties getting to and from your house to the Blue Line? Drive to the Forest Park park-n-ride facility and catch it there. While you’re at it, head down Madison Street in downtown Forest Park for some quick shopping or a bite to eat.

Get out of that traffic and make your life a little easier. Try transit on for size and happy commuting!

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